Head of Finance

Head of Finance – High‑Growth Material‑Science‑Led Scaleup

Location: West London (Hybrid)

About the Business

This is a pioneering material‑science‑led company that has developed breakthrough technology delivering significantly improved performance compared with traditional materials and designs.

The business has strong investor backing and has secured commercial agreements across the consumer products landscape. It is now progressing from R&D into full commercialisation, with turnover expected to scale rapidly and projected to reach just under £5 million next year.

Future growth will be driven by licensing proprietary materials technology and IP, with a clear pathway toward a strategic exit. Comparable innovators in the material‑science arena have achieved multi‑billion‑pound valuations.

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to become the first full‑time senior finance leader in a fast‑scaling, material‑science‑led organisation. You will build the finance function from scratch, shape commercial and licensing models, and work closely with founders as the company scales internationally.

Working alongside an experienced part‑time CFO (2–4 days/month), you’ll gain exposure to fundraising, licensing structures, IP commercialisation, and exit preparation.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Build and scale the finance function, establishing systems, reporting frameworks, controls, and automation.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and long‑term strategic planning.
• Design commercial and licensing models for global scaling of the technology.
• Support future fundraising rounds (Series B and beyond).
• Prepare investor materials, board packs, and insight‑driven financial analysis.
• Maintain strong investor relationships and deliver high‑quality reporting.

Operational Finance & Scaling

• Implement modern, AI‑driven finance systems and scalable processes.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, controls, and financial governance.
• Bring the outsourced accounting function in‑house, building internal capability and processes.
• Work closely with auditors to ensure high‑quality financial governance and clean audit outcomes.
• Build dashboards and reporting frameworks suited to a high‑growth, product‑based business.

Product, IP & Commercial

• Partner with product, engineering, and commercial teams on cost modelling, pricing, margins, and long‑term revenue planning.
• Support IP strategy, licensing negotiations, and commercial contract evaluation.

Broader Business Leadership

• Oversee legal, HR, and compliance activity as part of a lean senior leadership team.
• Act as a strategic partner to founders on operational and long‑term decisions.
• Play a key role in defining and executing the future exit strategy.

What We’re Looking For

✅ Experience in a high‑growth environment (Series A/B ideal)

✅ Ideally have worked in a VC or Private Equity–backed environment

✅ Proven experience building or leading a finance function

✅ Must be able to work with the outsourced bookeeping function and bring it in house

✅ Exposure to fundraising or supporting a CFO during a raise

✅ Strong financial modelling and forecasting skills

✅ Ability to implement AI‑enabled finance tools and automation

✅ Currently operating as a Head of FP&A, Head of Finance or Finance Director

✅ Ambition to scale with the business through to exit

Ideal Personal Profile

• Hands‑on, entrepreneurial, and adaptable
• Commercial and analytical, with strong financial rigour
• Collaborative, able to roll their sleeves up in a small business.
• Strong communicator with strategic thinking ability
• Motivated by building from scratch and scaling quickly

Why This Role Is Unique

• Attractive equity position with real exit potential
• Exposure to licensing, IP commercialisation, and global expansion
• Close partnership with founders and an experienced part‑time CFO
• Be part of bringing a breakthrough material‑science product to market